Harris to lead Bulls' bowling attack

AUSTRALIAN speedster Ryan Harris is expected to spearhead the Queensland Bulls in the Ryobi Cup one-day match against Tasmania at Harrup Park on Saturday week.

Harris confirmed yesterday he was a good chance of lining up for the Bulls, who will be looking forward to successive wins over the competition's leading teams after beating Victoria in the opener.

"I'm 80 or 90% sure of playing," he said.

"I got back from Sri Lanka three weeks ago, where we won the series.

"I've been training hard to get fit for the next few games and the Test series against South Africa.

"Everything is going well. I've been bowling and running well."

Harris, who debuted for Australia against New Zealand in March 2010, said he had been to Harrup Park twice for bowling clinics and was looking forward to playing there.

"I'm very impressed with it. It's a great ground to play on, with first-class facilities," he said.

"Tasmania are a good, strong all-round side, so it should be a good clash."

Although international commitments are likely to restrict Harris's involvement with the Bulls this season, he predicted they would do well at all levels of the game.

"We've got a good, balanced side," he said. "The guys have worked hard in the pre-season. I think we're ahead of all the other teams in the country in terms of fitness and preparedness for the season."

Harris is likely to take his place in the Test team for the series in South Africa, and is looking forward to the Boxing Day Test at the MCG against India, which will be followed by a one-day series also involving Sri Lanka.

You can view the Ryobi Cup match from the VIP Daily Mercury marquee.

A ticket to the marquee entitles you to gourmet catering refreshments and a special half-time briefing by Bulls coach Darren Lehmann. Tickets are $80 and available from the Daily Mercury office, 38-40 Wellington St.